Salisbury Cathedral to start charging tourists to visit

A huge fundraising appeal has been launched.

Published 27th Aug 2020

Salisbury Cathedral have estimated they'll lose around £2 million income this year, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, so a huge public appeal's been launched.

The Recovery Appeal's been set up to try and recoup some of the lost finances, as it costs £14,000 a day to keep Salisbury Cathedral running.

A four month closure during lockdown, cancelled events, reduced capacity and a fall in public donations has all contributed to the financial struggles.

An online fundraising page has been launched for the appeal.

The Dean of Salisbury Nick Papadopulos says they have had some help from other sources:

"The Church of England is helping us with things like wage costs and other assistance, and of course, the Government has as well, through the furloughing scheme. So this is an occasion where other partners nationally have helped, we know need to play our part in this."

The Cathedral is one of Salisbury's most popular sites, but is expected to lose around £2 million in income this year

CHARGES FOR TOURISTS TO SALISBURY CATHEDRAL

As part of the plan, entry fees will start to be introduced for tourists visiting the building from next week (Tuesday 1st September).

It's been a suggested donation system up to now, but the new charges will be brought in for non-Salisbury residents.

Anyone who can prove they live in the city, or worships at a church within the Salisbury Diocese, won't have to pay to get in.

For those visiting from elsewhere, it'll be:

£8 for adults

£5 for students aged 13-18

Free for children under 12

Salisbury Cathedral reopened to the public in July, but the four month closure has left a huge gap in their finances

As it has been since Salisbury Cathedral reopened after lockdown, pre-booking is essential, due to limited numbers allowed on site.

Tickets are for a certain timeslot, available through the Cathedral website, or by calling 01722 512156.

Jane Morgan, Salisbury Cathedral's Director of Communications and Development said:

"Our visitor profile has certainly changed. We are seeing more and more people on holiday or family visits to Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and the New Forest, some coming from as far away as Newcastle, Wales and Kent. We are also seeing a lot of young people and a surprising number of European visitors."